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According to Facebook, 54.7% of people ages 13-17 have a
Facebook account. That statistic doesn't say it all. The minimum
age to have a Facebook is 13. Kids love to keep up with the trends
and even those much, much younger work around the system by using a
false birth date and making an account. I will admit I too was one
of them. It is not because I and others want to break the rules but
it's rather because you too want to see the cool and rising hang
out spot.

I did not start using Facebook frequently until I entered High
School and that is still now only once or twice a week. High School
was the right time because more people usually joined once they got
to High School too. Now, everybody is on it. From your local coffee
shop to your grandmother, they're your "friend" or "fan". Actually
I think my 4-year old cousin has one. She's not my friend. Rest
easy though. She doesn't have any pictures on it and it's used by
her mom. Which makes me think, 'why doesn't her mom use her own
name and make an account rather than using my cousin's name?' For
most of us, our friends are everyone that attends the school. Plus
for some, a random hot girl or guy who also adds a stranger. Quite
frightening, huh? Who knows who that hot girl or guy really is and
even if that picture is actually them? Taking a look at my news
feed, I see people posting status updates of the shows they are
currently watching, people who are drunk, cool videos and someone
trash talking another person.

And that helps give me a nice segue to my next point. Although it
can be fun and games most of the time, it can sometimes take a
deadly twist. Most people are deceived by the image of a computer
screen, not realizing that behind the screen is a real person.
Unfortunately, those abusive attacks (which some might not even
think are bad) have caused many to take their own lives, many of
whom were on a path to success. I don't use my account much other
than to check on how others are doing, because I prefer email more.
No, I'm not at all addicted. I know some who are and don't spend
hours on it skipping homework. My parents are not on Facebook.
Quite honestly, although I am a teenager, parents should monitor
what their kids are doing online. It may sound like a cliche by now
but I can tell you, it's a fantastic idea. Some of the things
people post online even haunt me. I always think...It's better to
be safe than sorry. Got something to say on Facebook or wanna send
me a shout out, you can follow me on Twitter @HipplePatel or send
me an email at hipple@hipplepatel.com!